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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (April 20, 2001)
aprii 20. 2001 » ju s t out j 7 nTTïTTTÏÏÏÏÏ^nnews BRO N ames N ew D irector Continued from Page 1 when liberal cities are surrounded by small towns. “I’m very comfortable doing work in both the progressive urban centers and in the rural areas.” Thorpe is excited to hear that BRO is devoting renewed energy toward pro-gay legis lation rather than just playing defense against homophobic attacks. “It’s extremely important for a community to not always be under siege...so that you’re not always defending your own turf but that you’re actually able to envision moving forward.” Although the Oregon Citizens Alliance makes our state seem like a hotbed of constant After finishing her four-year term, Thorpe decided not to seek re-election hut instead to turn her attention back to grassroots activism. She accepted a position as field organizer for the Empire State Pride Agenda, which is New York’s equivalent to BRO. “I found making change from the outside to be a more dynamic and — — interesting process,” she said. “I admire the people who are committed elected officials who actually do the voting on our issues, but 1 personally prefer making change from the other side of the aisle.” Among her accomplish ments was a statewide hate crimes bill, which was approved last year. She then worked to draft and pass Ithaca’s ordinance, which was New York’s first piece of protective legisla tion to include transgen- dered people. Thorpe also has more introduces herself during the than 10 years of experience gainst Discrimination Luncheon in nonprofit administra tion. Since 1995, she has served as executive director of Ithaca Commu controversy, she said New York is no different. nity Childcare Center, which has a $1.6 million “There’s just as much nastiness...but it takes budget and 70 staff members. place in the Legislature. We don’t have a ballot Her only previous visit to Oregon left a last measure process.” ing impression. Last October, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force dispatched her to Port horpe had little time to recover from the land for two weeks to assist with the No on 9 lively luncheon. A nonstop trail of well- Campaign. wishers approached her afterward, and she said Thorpe trained phone-banking volunteers she wants to reconnect with them after she and organized a successful press conference for comes on board as executive director. teachers. She immediately noticed the diverse “Once I’m here for a period of time I’ll really coalition of support from both straight and gay have the chance to sit down and spend time Oregonians. with people,” she said. "I’m hoping to do a lot of “There was a real blurring of the lines,” she listening in the first several months.” said. “The people who were not gay were just as The next item on the agenda of Thorpe’s committed and just as passionate about the whirlwind swing through Portland: apartment cause.” hunting for her and her cat, Jitterbug. Then it’s Thorpe also found Oregonians’ strong sense back to Ithaca, where she said she’ll be busy say ing goodbye to dear friends, amazing activists of identity compelling. Because Ithaca is a col and a supportive gay community. But she has no lege town, many of its residents stay only for a doubt she’ll find similar allies here. short time. “I’m very excited about this,” she said. “1 However, she said, the state of New York know I’m going to meet great people here and as a whole has a striking similarity to Oregon: They both wrestle with the clash caused do good work.” JH Helping You Build Your Financial Future Specializing in financial advice for singles, domestic partners 6 non-traditional couples F i n a n c i a l Advi sor 2000 of * C C i r c l e h a m p i o n s M e m b e r SIPC PORTLAND area . w . Financial Services* f » . BL SI AESS ASSOCIATION*^ I n v e s t i n g . 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County resi dents must be protected in the areas of sexual orientation and gender identity for housing, employment and public accommodations. 2 . 1 have taken a leadership role in defeating Measures 9, 13 and 9 again. I am an advocate for school health clinics. Students must have access to quality services without fear. They must also be allowed to form student clubs to help promote understanding and a stronger sense of communi ty. I have long been a member of the National Education Association Gay and Lesbian Caucus advancing the agenda of civil rights and recogni tion for the contributions of all people. 3. Lon Mabon and his ilk are not going away. We must not let down our guard in the protection of our rights. Additionally, we must continue to expand access to affordable health care for the most vulnerable and work to enlighten our community to the value of all of our neighbors. J O H N SIM EENEY 1. Multnomah County can lead by example. That means fair treatment for all. 2 . 1 have tried to treat all people fairly! Dur ing the Vietnam War I was in the Oregon Army National Guard. So I know what it’s like to be on the short end. 3. They need to promote a better image to the general public. JfH Revs. Casey and Berdell Moffett-Chaney (503) 481-7591 www.godconnection.org Workshops , Classes Relationship Support Welcome Men & Women GLBTTS Center for Worship, Growth & Leadership I omedm Every Sunday Morning 10:00 AM 4828 NE 33rd, Portland
